Sudha Murty: Inspiring Journey of Philanthropy and Success
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Mother Teresa, Kalpana Chawla, Sarojini Naidu, and many other women have been the epitome of inspiration to Indian society. Today women have uplifted society and their contribution to our nation has been inseparable from the history of our success. There is one such woman whose contribution to the people of our country has been remarkable. She is Sudha Murty
A prolific writer who is known for her simplicity. Sudha has been greatly revered for her writings, her philanthropy, and her impact on society. She has been dynamic, revolutionary, strong, and obedient.
In this StartupTalky story, let us learn about Sudha Murty's success story, early life and childhood, life history, personal life, education, philanthropy, achievements, writings and books, and more.
Sudha Murty Biography
| Name | Sudha Murty |
|---|---|
| Birthplace | Shiggaon, India |
| Born | 19 August 1950 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | BE in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, B. V. B. College of Engineering and Technology ME in Computer Science, Indian Institute of Science |
| Position | Chairperson, Infosys Foundation |
| Spouse | N. R. Narayana Murty |
Sudha Murty - Early Life
Sudha Murty - Education
Sudha Murty - Career
Sudha Murty - Personal Life
Sudha Murty - Social Work
Sudha Murty - Writings and Books
Sudha Murty - Awards and Achievements
Sudha Murty - Quotes
Sudha Murthy Life Story
Sudha Murty - Early Life
Sudha Murty was born in Shiggaon, Karnataka to her parents Dr. R. H. Kulkarni and Vimla Kulkarni. Her father was a surgeon and his brother Srinivas Kulkarni is a renowned astronomer. He also received the Dan David Prize in the year 2017.
Sudha's mother always supported her children to achieve high endeavors. It was the family of Sudha Murty who instilled in her the passion to make enormous achievements and achieve extraordinary things in life.
Sudha Murty - Education
She completed her graduation from B.V.B College of Engineering and Technology. She opted for a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering and obtained the first rank for which she got a gold medal from Sri Devaraj Urs, former Chief Minister of Karnataka. After completing graduation she joined the Indian Institute of Science to pursue a Masters in Engineering in Computer Science.
Sudha Murty - Career
It was after Sudha completed her studies, that she was hired at Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company (TELCO) which is now known as Tata Motors. Sudha Murty was the first female engineer in India who was hired by India's largest auto manufacturer. She had written to the chairman of TELCO and complained that there were gender biases in the company. Hearing about this, she was called for a special interview.
Sudha has also worked as a senior system analyst in Walchand Group of Industries in Pune where she lived for seven years (1974 - 1981). Her husband, Narayan Murty was a Research Assistant when he started his career.
While they planned to move to Mumbai in 1981, Narayan shared his dream of creating a software company that could be the biggest venture in the country in the technology industry.
Sudha supported Narayan Murty in every possible way and also shared Rs. 10,000 which was her sole savings. She was the strongest pillar of Infosys and the career of Narayan Murty in those days.
For a few years, both Sudha Murty and Narayan Murty worked together for Infosys, but they were compromising on their family life. That is when Sudha decided to continue her role as a homemaker.
Sudha also started Infosys Foundation in the year 1996 and continued to be the trustee of the company. She has built 2300 houses with the help of this foundation in the areas which were affected by floods. Also, she helps the society where there are problems of poverty, public hygiene, healthcare, education, and art and culture. Her foundation has built more than 70,000 libraries in schools and 16,000 toilets.
Manav Makhija
Sudha Murty - Personal Life
While Sudha was working in TELCO, Pune, she met Mr. Narayana Murty and got married to him. Rohan and Akshata are their kids. She is known for her social and philanthropic contribution and also her excellent service to literature in English and Kannada language.
Sudha Murty was also fond of acting. Based on her novel Rhun, she made her debut in a Marathi Film named Pitruroon. She is very fond of movies and says that she watches 265 movies in a year. She also mentioned in one of the interviews that if she had not chosen Engineering she would have opted for the profession of a Film Journalist.
In a recent TV Show, Sudha Murthy shared how she met Narayana Murthy.
They met through a mutual friend, Prasanna, who was Narayana’s roommate. After knowing each other for four years, they got married in 1978. Over the years, they have supported each other’s work and values. Sudha said Narayana’s dedication and punctuality inspired her to become more focused and disciplined. They share a story of friendship, partnership, and mutual respect.
Sudha Murthy, prefers traveling in economy class, even though her husband, Narayana Murthy, asks her to travel in business class.
“I spend all money on philanthropy. He’ll tell me to buy business class tickets, but I say, ‘Why? I will reach the same destination, at the same time with an economy ticket too," she said.
While Sudha Murthy admits to not being a great cook, she is a celebrated author and an inspiring philanthropist.
Kanimozhi Sivakumar
Sudha Murty - Social Work
Sudha is known for her philanthropic work. She has helped society in enormous ways. From public hygiene, and poverty alleviation to spreading awareness about rural education and women empowerment; she has worked for all. She aims and dreams about a clean India hence she works on building toilets for the public. She has also been very passionate about aiding the people with all necessary resources who suffer due to floods.
Sudha has been working with the Gates Foundation for many years now. She thinks that education is the key to the nation's well-being. She has helped many orphans by building orphanages, and kids with computers at schools too.
Sudha Murty - Writings and Books
Sudha Murty is a wonderful and well-renowned author. Her writings revolve around her life experiences, her realizing views, hospitality, and charity. Many of her Kannada Books were translated into English books and television series.
When she was 29, she had her first book published for which she visited the USA, and dedicated her first book to her husband Narayana Murty. It was at the age of 50 when she started writing books in the English language. To date, she has scribbled many short stories, children's books, fiction, novels, and a lot more.
At the launch of her 300th book in September 2024, Grandpa’s Bag of Stories (Puffin), Sudha Murty shared a message for her younger self: “Writing is about the passion to express yourself, not borders or degrees. If you have that passion, you will write.”
The book features 19 stories about four children traveling to Mayawati in Uttarakhand with their grandparents. Along the way, their grandfather shares tales of kings, princesses, and mermaids, teaching lessons of wisdom and kindness.
Here are a few famous books written by Sudha Murty:
Books in the Kannada language:
- Dollar Sose
- Runa
- Kaveri inda Mekaangige
- Hakkiya Teradalli
- Athirikthe
- Guttondu Heluve
- Mahashweta
- Tumla
- Nooniya Sahasagalu
- Samanyralli Asamanyaru
- Compuer lokadalli
Books in the English language:
- The Mother I Never Knew
- Three Thousand Stitches
- The Man from the Egg
- Here, There, Everywhere
- Magic of the Lost Temple
- How I Taught My Grandmother to Read and Other Stories
- The Old Man And His God
- Dollar Bahu
- Wise and Otherwise
- Mahashweta
Sudha Murty - Awards and Achievements
Sudha Murty has received many recognitions in her long career. She has been an inspiration to many and is the epitome of voluntary service.
- Sudha Murty won Padma Shri in the year 2006, India's fourth-highest civilian honor.
- Cash Prize for securing the highest marks in SSLC. Sri Devaraj Urs, Chief Minister of Karnataka then honored her with a Gold Medal since Sudha secured the highest marks in the state in B.E.
- Indian Institute of Engineers honored Sudha Murty with a gold medal for having secured the 1st Rank in MTech.
- Sudha was honored with R.K. Narayana's Award of Literature.
- In the year 2000, she was awarded the 'Ojaswini' award for her excellent social work.
- In the year 1995, she was awarded the Millenium Mahila Shiromani Award.
- The Rotary Club of Karnataka gave her the award of Best Teacher.
- At the Crossword-Raymond Books Awards, Sudha got the Lifetime Achievement Award.
- She was awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science by IIT Kanpur.
Manav Makhija
Sudha Murty - Quotes
Conclusion
Sudha Murty is a person who has worked towards her vision, as no one else. She has been consistent and determined in her work to change society for the greater good. Her writings and her philanthropic work have impacted many in society and inspired people to do good for others. Sudha Murthy's life is an inspirational story for all of us!
FAQ
Who is Sudha Murthy?
Sudha Murthy is an Indian author, philanthropist, and chairperson of the Infosys Foundation. She is known for her contributions to education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment, as well as her books in English and Kannada. She is married to Infosys co-founder N. R. Narayana Murthy.
What is the net worth of Sudha Murthy?
The net worth of Sudha Murty is approximately INR 775 crore.
What is the age of Sudha Murthy?
Sudha Murty was born on 19 August 1950 and is 73 years old.
What is Sudha Murty education?
Sudha Murty completed a B.Eng. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the B.V.B. College of Engineering & Technology.
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